The question arises whether and under
what circumstances attorneys may advertise using a corporate, trade, or fictitious
name which is not the name or names of the firm, the attorney, or the attorneys
in the firm. For example, in reviewing the telephone directory yellow page advertisements,
the Committee has observed instances where attorneys have used the letter "A",
"AA" or "AAA" as the first word in a name listing with the apparent intent to
be in the front or near the front of the "Attorneys" or "Lawyers" section of
the yellow pages.

Opinion:

The Committee is of the opinion that
it is misleading and deceptive under DR 2-l0l(A) for an attorney or attorneys
to advertise using a corporate, trade or fictitious name unless the attorney
or attorneys actually practice under such name. The Committee believes that
use of a name which is not the name used in the practice is misleading and deceptive
as to the identity, responsibility, and status of those using such name. The
usage of a corporate, trade, or fictitious name should include, among other
things, displaying such name on the letterhead, business cards, and office sign.
Furthermore, the usage of such name shall be in compliance with DR 2-l02(B)
and shall comply with applicable laws, including Sections l3.l-542 et seq. or
Sections 59.l-69 et seq. of the Code of Virginia.